OBITUARY
Michael Alan Sharpley
July 18, 1968 – February 20, 2021
Michael Alan Sharpley, 52, was born in Austin, Texas on July 18, 1968 and passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 20, 2021.
Mike graduated from Pflugerville High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Zoology from The University of Texas at Austin. He was employed by Dell Technologies for many years.
He was an enthusiastic supporter of the Texas Longhorns and the Dallas Cowboys. He loved nature and the outdoors, and he enjoyed traveling with friends. An avid soccer player and fan, he was excited about Major League Soccer coming to Austin and looked forward to seeing Austin FC in action this spring.
Mike is survived by his mother and stepfather, Mary and Johnny Veselka, and his father and stepmother, Alan and Ann Sharpley, all of Austin; sister, Kristin Duane and husband, Jason Duane of Kingwood; sister, Bethany Veselka and Kyle Mire of Dallas; nephew, Jacob Duane of College Station; niece, Kindal Duane of Kingwood; grandfather, Jerry Dhooge of La Grange; and his aunts, uncles, cousins and many loving friends. He was preceded in death by grandparents, Marion and Zoe Gentry of Killeen, and Bea Dhooge of La Grange.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Mike’s honor.
A private family service is planned. Arrangements are under the direction of Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar, Austin, Texas.
DONATIONS
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Services
No public services are scheduled at this time. Receive a notification when services are updated.
Memories
Michael Alan Sharpley
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYShelley Miles- Fisher
February 26, 2021
I grew up with Mike in Pflugerville. He was one of the nicest guys I’ve known. He always had a contagious smile and a heart of gold! Thank you for a lifetime of friendship! May you Rest In Peace ~ until we meet again.
I love you Mike
Shell ♥️🙏🏻
Jason Sanchez
February 24, 2021
The first thing that pops into my head when I think of the time we spent together: from all the cool stuff we did, concerts, moving his plants, watching sports (of course UT is at the top of that list), ACL, and the list goes on. The one thing that continues to bring warmth to my heart happened about 2 years ago. Mike calls me and asks if I wanted to go to hang out in New Braunfels. He hyped it up as “Jason we will be out on the river and go out to a show or two and have some fun.” No gals just us fellas, Heck YEAH. Well this is what happened, Friday night we stayed in and went to sleep at 9pm, since we both were tired from the work week and the long 1.5hrs it took us to get to where we were staying. Mountain bikes, swim suits and some beer, we were ready. The next day I get up, river ready and he says yep “lets roll”. We are enjoying the scenery and Mike is telling me about some bird or tree that is native or not. The whole time I am like, “where’s the river and why I am not holding a beer?” See what I realized that day, Mike had a love for the little things. Simple life’s treasures, I never noticed or even cared to notice. He lived the statement “stop and smell the roses”. After so long I was like “ where are we headed dude?” He says.” Jason we have to make a quick stop at this Bonsai store/garden at Jade Gardens in Wimberley, TX”.
I go with it, and 4 hours, yes 4 hours later, he picks the tree he wants. The reason this memory is so strong, it was because that was the day I learned a key lesson in life. Life is really about the small moments you share, with the people you love. The small handful of the ones that are truly comfortable in their own skin, that take the time to indirectly teach you one of life’s most treasured lessons. “Stop and Smell the Roses” it really means something now!
You had fun with Mike no matter where, what or how “lame” you might think it was going to be….Because you were sharing moments with one of the best humans ever!
Julia Stone
February 24, 2021
It has been 4 days and I am, still, trying to wrap my brain around you being gone. The fact is that we may not be able to. The only conclusion that I can come up with is that God needed you home for something special.
In reading through all the posts for you there is a resounding theme that shines through. You, Mike, had the uncanny ability to make the person in front of you feel like the most important person.
Your goodness and compassion shined through every day. The example that comes to mind is how you left the guys inside, at a team builder, to come outside and check on me, the one that got motion sick. Your compassion knew no bounds.
You were an all-around great guy and it was MY pleasure knowing you, from our times chatting in our cubicles to you laughing at me from the other side of the wall for whatever crazy thing I just said on the phone.
When we were, no longer, on the same team, a smile would brighten my face when I would see your name pop up on my Instant Messenger and I was so proud when you became a manager, something you had worked, extremely, hard to achieve.
You will, truly, be missed by all because you touched all our lives in a very special way. Fly High, My Friend until we meet again.
Rick Lewellyn
February 24, 2021
What a loss. I had the pleasure of working with Mike for several years, in several roles as he moved his way up the company ladder at Dell. I found him to be humble, kind, self-deprecating, and the epitome of what we all strive to be - a servant leader. Never saw an issue or problem he didn't want to tackle, and never took credit for any of his many accomplishments.
We will miss you Mike - more than words and postings can possibly describe. God Bless you and your family.
Bekah Holland
February 24, 2021
Mike was one of the most genuine, caring people I've known. He took every opportunity to check in on the people in his life, and truly invest in what was going on in our world, both big and small. He would have given you the shirt off of his back, and as someone who has received one of those shirts, I can tell you that's not just a platitude. Our world will be a little smaller and less bright without him in it, but I hope we will all try to fill the gap by caring for the people around us, like Mike always did.
BUDDY OROZCO
February 23, 2021
I met Mike a little over 25 years ago on a crazy trip to Mexico. Hearing about his passing was very heartbreaking and so sad. Every time I saw Mike he was smiling, I'll always remember that about him. I will pray for his family and friends so that they may find peace in knowing that he is no longer suffering and is in a much better place. May he rest in peace.
Anthony Ditta Jr
February 23, 2021
I am very sorry for your loss. Mike was a good person...a good man and friend. He will be missed.
Yissell Torres
February 23, 2021
Where do we go from here?
That's the question I ask myself- you see once someone special touches our lives, and they leave.. we are left with an empty place.
I met Mike Sharpley almost 6 years ago at Dell. We were both on the same team performing the same role. He was always carrying a smile, upbeat, optimistic. Even in the most challenging times Mike was a positive voice. A reasonable person, willing to go above and beyond to help others.
He was my go to friend, we could talk about anything, business, longhorn football, animals, family. We often were sounding boards for each other at work. When I changed roles, I encouraged Mike to grow his career at Dell. When we both were promoted into newer roles, it seem like we became even close allies bouncing ideas, grievance, or just sharing many laughs together.
I can't tell you how many times, it felt like Mike was a long-lost friend from another time, every time we talked, share activities or just met for coffee in the office. When we were all forced to work from home, our connected remained unwavered.
Even while he was in the hospital I reached out to him out of sincere concern and care, and he text me right back with a positive disposition, and optimism.
You know when a person is special not by what people say about them when their gone but the impact they make in others lives; the footprint they leave etched in another. A part of me is forever changed because of the sincere friendship I shared with Mike - he will forever be in my heart.
He is.. and will be greatly missed by so many at Dell Technologies, we are a close-knit family there.. and the bonds run deep.
I feel blessed to have had the time and shared friendship with Mike, and I know he is still walking beside all of us... reminding us to smile.
Until we meet again, Mike!
Will Partin
February 23, 2021
Anyone who had the privilege and pleasure to work with Mike immediately felt his sincerity, which was always refreshing, especially during this difficult time. You knew exactly what he stood for. His calm demeanor, respect for everyone he engaged with, and positive attitude, no matter what was going on his life, were infectious, and it made you want to stand back and remember what was important. I didn’t get to work with Mike as long as I had hoped, but in the time I did, I will always remember his modesty and love for his family. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. He was a great man and will truly be missed.
Reilee Williams
February 23, 2021
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
11:00 AM
In a year filled with uncertainty, Mike was there full of optimism and joy. He was excited to guide me through any challenge that came my way as a new employee at Dell. Mike demonstrated what it really meant to be a servant leader. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversations whether it was talking about the deer in his backyard or discussing Texas high school football championships. His departure will never be forgotten. I'm sure he will still be watching down on his longhorns next season. I will miss you very much Mike.
-Reilee
Matt Suits
February 23, 2021
Mike was always a warm, positive, and thoughtful teammate at Dell - even though we were states apart. There were several things we had in common, and it was always great to talk with him about life outside of the "four walls" of work. His care for others was evident, and he will be deeply missed by me and countless others within the company. My family and I are praying for Mike's loved ones during this challenging time.
MATT WILLIAMS
February 23, 2021
To Michael's Family,
We are very very sorry about the loss of Michael.
I want you to know that I knew Michael through his interaction with my Son Reilee who worked from our home for Dell.
They were on many many meetings together where I could hear Michael's encouragement and Strong Leadership and "Can Do" attitude.
It was always great to hear them collaborating, as I knew they were a very strong team together. As a father you get joy in hearing and seeing your son learning from others and I knew Michael was a great teacher.
We wish the family comfort during this time and Michael I want to thank you for being a big part of Reilee's life.
Matt Williams
Julie Watkins
February 23, 2021
Mike was a joy to work with. I'm so honored to have known him and will treasure the memories. Sending prayers and love for his family.
Bob Efferth
February 23, 2021
I was privileged to work with Mike at Dell Technologies 2 years ago - for just a brief period during a temporary role. Mike clearly stood out as an action-oriented, helpful, Customer-focused leader -- that I very much appreciated. He always went out of his way to do everything he could to keep me and his team abreast of progress, key information to share, help Customers, and grow the business. Mike will be deeply missed by me and many persons at Dell Technologies with whom he worked. Our family's prayers for comfort during this incredibly difficult time.
Chistian Rodriguez
February 23, 2021
Mike was my first manager at dell. He helped out the "newbies" no matter how simple the task or how dumb the question was. He was truly a great manager and person. Mike was truly a peoples person. He always wanted to help other in anyway he could. I know Mike is riding his bike in the trails of paradise. This isn't a goodbye, but a see you later. Thank you Mike for demonstrating what it means to be professional, humility and integrity.
Lacy Holland
February 23, 2021
It is heart wrenching to know that we will never get to work together again. Mike and I met 3 years ago, and he was a great co-worker and Longhorn fan. We were on Jorge's advocates team together and Mike was just an amazing person and friend and we bonded instantly over work and football. I can not count the times Mike went out of his way to help me, or anyone else . He was driven but extremely kind. My heart is broken. My prayers and thoughts are with all of his friends and family, as his positive presence will be greatly missed. Mike, you may be gone, but you will never be forgotten.
Jason Halls
February 23, 2021
Sleep well Mike, you will be missed.
Jeffrey Coker
February 22, 2021
So sorry for everyone's loss. We've only known Mike for a few years, but we always enjoyed our times spent together. Mike was such a positive guy, always putting others first. He loved live music, and it was at ACL that we first met. We loved his zest for the experience as we listened to the bands, even squeezing in time to watch our beloved Texas Longhorns. Mike's love of nature was so evident! He always took the time to learn about the local plants and environment. Next time you take a walk or hit the trail, take time to appreciate nature in honor of Mike. Mike is looking down on us from heaven. Such a kind soul. See you on the flip side, friend...
Love, Jeff and Kyle
Andrew Ughetta
February 22, 2021
Six months ago, I was a recent college graduate taking on a new role at Dell and was extremely anxious. Mike Sharpley made the transition for me incredibly easy. I remember our first conversation and how relaxed and comfortable he made me feel. Mike saw the light in every troubling situation and after every time we spoke, I would always be in a better mood. Mike and I never had the opportunity to meet in person, however I still consider him a dear friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
I will miss you Mike.
Gregg Hoskins
February 22, 2021
Mike was a good friend and co-worker. We met a number of years ago while working together. He has a good heart and was always thinking of others first. Mike will be missed.
- Gregg
Warren Eckerdt
February 21, 2021
No matter how long it had been since we talked. Or how far apart we lived. Mike would always call and rub it in when the Broncos lost a big game. If my phone rang, I knew who it was. I'm going to miss you old friend. Until we meet again.
Warren Eckerdt
Warren Eckerdt
February 21, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Mike was a good friend. Life won't be the same.
Warren Eckerdt